In our exciting feature How I Became A Goalkeeper, KickOff speaks to current Venda Football Association goalkeeper coach Azwindini Maphaha.
Though Maphaha made his name at Venda-based club Black Leopards, his biggest break came in the Mpumalanga province.
I'm sure you have an interesting story to tell about how you became a goalkeeper.
"In my case, it all started at home in my mother's bedroom, every time my mom went out of the house I would throw a tennis ball off the wall, catch it, and throw myself on her bed as if I was diving.
"I was inspired by the legendary Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Mark Anderson.
"Those days we didn't have our own bed as kids. I was 10 years old at the time.A few later I went to Black Leopards for trials, I was given 15 to 20 minutes and I didn't make it. The coach was Boebie Solomons.
"After that I joined Batau FC from Ermelo in Mpumalanga. I was 18 years old at the time. That was in 2006.
"While at Batau another coach came and stole me, and took me to Kriel at Mpumalanga Black Aces' Vodacom league side. That didn't last long though as the Batau owner came and took me back to Ermelo.
"In 2009 Batau won promotion to the NFD, we played a game against Leopards, we beat them 3-1 and I was in goals.
"After that game Leopards team manager Sam Khaphathe lured me back to Leopards, and I signed a pre-contract.
"After Leopards were relegated in 2014 I went to Sivutsa Stars, in 2015 they sold the team and I joined Highlands Park in the ABC Motsepe, but I was released soon after.
"After Highlands Par,k I ventured into goalkeeper coaching, my first team was Moretele Gunners."
Growing up, which goalkeepers did you look up to?
"Brian Baloyi was my favorite during the teenage years. I liked the way he was aggressive and at the same time entertaining people."
Which goalkeepers still playing today are your favorite?
"I can say the boy I've been working with, Ntokozo Mtshweni, played for Sekhukhune United. I was his goalkeeper coach.
"There's also Samkelo Mbambo and Harold Ndlovu. I'm also working with Ludwe Mpakupaku."
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